Sunday, despite John’s “near death” episode the previous day, was ready to get out and explore. The trauma nurse who cared for John in the hospital was full of helpful tips that only a local can give.
He said that rather than trying to park in downtown New Orleans, we should take the ferry from Gretna. There is a nice bike path that runs along the Mississippi and gives great views of New Orleans. He said that the neighborhood near the ferry has some great old architect, if we were into that sort of thing. There are several restaurants along the bike path that served good food, craft beer and are reasonably priced.
John said he was up to it, so we packed up the bikes and drove to one of the parking spots along the trail. The weather was pleasant and the ride quiet and serene. It was surprising to see big cruise ships moored along the New Orleans “boardwalk”.
It only cost us $4 to ride the ferry and we were in the company of locals who also stated that this is the best way to visit the city. John chatted with a gentleman who gave him ideas on where to ride and what to see, and plenty of warnings about the dangers of New Orleans. I think he made John a little too paranoid.
The shore line of New Orleans showed many large and interesting buildings that I couldn’t wait to see up close.
Barges and cargo ships were all over the Mississippi, some moving some moored getting cargo loaded. I felt really small next to these big boats.
The local who John was talking with said that he has seen kayakers on this part of the Mississippi. As kayakers who feel confident in our abilities, we both agreed that it would be crazy to try to paddle here around all of these big, fast boats, let alone deal with the size of the wakes we saw trailing behind the boats.
Once we disembarked from the ferry we road along the river walk for a while just looking at all the people and buildings before heading into town. I felt like I was in a different world. Bike riders rode on the street weaving in and out of cars, some rode on the yellow double lines between the lanes of traffic. There was no honking of horns, the drivers just seemed to accept this as normal.
We heard some live music playing and headed into Latrobe Park.
At the Gazebo Café we grabbed some craft beers and found a bench where we could relax and just enjoy the moment.
The band was pretty good, and so was the people watching. Had we not had our bikes we probably would have purchased a drink to go and wandered the town. There is no “open container” law in New Orleans.
Most buildings have balconies on their second and third floors and just about every one had flower boxes over flowing with vines and other colorful plants.
As we rounded the corner from Latrobe Park to start our walking tour of the city, we saw this guy. Want to pick up some chess tips from a world renown chess player? For $5 you can sit down with Jude Acers, a master chess player and world-record-setter, and play a game with him while he gives you pointers along the way. He has been in this same spot on Decatur Street since 1977, and when he is not competing in tournaments you will find him in his red beret right here, waiting for a challenger.
As we made our way down Decatur Street I saw a sign for Jazz funerals. How cool would that be?! If I’m going to have a funeral, I want one of these! I know you have seen them on TV. A small band plays Jazz music while dancing down the street in front of a horse-drawn casket. Talk about a celebration of life and the journey to beyond.
We found the City Park and walked it’s surrounding streets. We found a multitude of artists crowding the area. Check out this guy’s, who dressed like a girl but talked like a man, bike. There was even a picture of it in the museum. He said that this has been his transportation for the last 7 years, no car.
Paintings and quilts were hung on the fences, and palm readers and mystics had stands set up in the courtyard.
There were street performers everywhere. Some were just a guy and a guitar, several of were the “statue” people could be found, and even a few full bands.
We need to come back here and look around some more.
The sun was beginning to set and we still had to catch the ferry and pedal back to the car. While we were waiting for the ferry the big cruise ship pulled out, that was a sight to see. Apparently the American Queen was getting ready to start her cruise.
This is the closest we will get to a cruise….at least for the foreseeable future.
Sunsets by the water are just prettier sometimes. ‘Til tomorrow….
